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How To Sounders Good: Preview SEA v SKC

Let's Kick Off A New Season Together

I’m more excited for Sounders FC to finally be pulling the starter cord on another season of MLS soccer than an eel at fence pee-ing party! The battle for this league to win the hearts of football obsessed Americans enters its twenty-first year and things feel more fun than ever.

The bad news: Obafemi Martins - the star of Seattle Sounders FC - put his pen to paper and left Seattle last week on his way to other side of the Earth. Grab a shovel and we can take turns digging to China with hopes that we might catch a glimpse of his wonderful footwork and oba-flips.

The good news: Jordan Morris. This homegrown talent who guided Stanford to all sorts of glory last year bailed on school to go pro. He spent a bit in Germany training with Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga. The kid, who already has caps with the US Men’s National Team, turned down a contract in Germany to come home and play in America. That league is much stronger, but to choose between riding the bench of starting up front at his home club seemed almost easy for Morris.

The old guys look good: Clint Dempsey, Nelson Valdez, Andreas Ivanschitz are dudes we say looking electrified in the first leg of the Champions League 2-2 draw at Centurylink. Deuce looks like he’s ready to win a title and stop the team from falling from the playoffs. I’m writing off the second leg of this contest to the 7000’ elevation as the second profession contest of the season. That never looked likely to come out well for the preseason Sounders FC squad.

S2 works: Having spent a few games in the booth calling the action of Sounders FC development team S2 means we’ve seen cats like Oalex Anderson, Darwin Jones, Andy Craven get minutes on both fields. An aging side needs to get younger, and while the moves of the club don’t necessarily look to have helped (Sturgis), promoting the kids helps with some depth. Sending Jimmy Ockford out on loan does not.

Sporting is a side that last year took the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup back to Kansas City (rude). This is a team loved by its city. Graham Zusi didn’t go 100% last year due to injuries - he’ll be a handful as will set piece specialist and midfield jerk, Brad Davis. Erik Friberg and Oswaldo Alonso will have their hands full in the midfield on Sunday.

On your way to CenturyLink this Sunday, one thing not to be missed is the March to the Match. Starting in Pioneer Square and winding through to the stadium, I know so many Sounders FC fans that have never walked in the mob, shouting fun songs and chants, and getting the ol’ rivalry blood bubbling. Getting there early and in the spirit can take the crowd to 11. One of the hardest place for a team to play a match is Seattle. The crowd is giant and vociferous at it’s best, and that all begins at the march (and often with a beer or two before hand). Don’t forget your scarf!